1st Explorers

Be a part of American History!

Come Join DeSoto, LaSalle, Marquette, Joliet and Lewis and Clark...
Check the roll: Our 1st Explorers are a rather exclusive group. But members like LaSalle and DeSoto never got the kind of reception that you're going to get when we visit a new river city for the very first time.

You've Only Get One Chance To Be First
As our premier guests aboard the R/B River Explorer, you'll add your name to an exclusive list of adventurers who opened America to exploration. River towns and cities across America are bustling in anticipation of our first landings. You'll be the talk of the town from Cincinnati, Ohio to Nuevo Progreso, Mexico; from St. Louis, Mo., to New Orleans, La.

The R/B River Explorer is constantly uncovering new routes. Guests who like to be first and share a love for exploring "unchartered territories" can travel on a new excursion and become a 1st Explorer, RiverBarge's special BargeMate Guest. Some trips feature special inaugural ceremonies in the places we stop.

Other benefits include:

  • Automatic Platinum Deck upgrade starting after the qualifying excursion. Upgrade based on availability at time of booking.
  • Advanced notification of special reunion trips.
  • 1st Explorer fine art commemorative print.
  • River Currents newsletter with a 1st Explorer insert where we share information with 1st Explorers before anyone else.
  • 1st Explorer Pin

What is a RiverBarge Excursion?
It's a unique way of seeing America and a one-of-a-kind way of travel. The R/B River Explorer is America's only floating hotel barge. We offer a comfortable and safe way to travel on America's rivers and inland waterways. We've thought of everything! With offer 98 outside staterooms, an expansive Sky Deck, the Sprague, Galley, Guest Pilot House and a friendly and experienced all-American crew. With amenities and little touches that make this a vacation of a lifetime, the R/B River Explorer brings out your sense of adventure, giving you a glimpse of what 1st Explorers like DeSoto and LaSalle saw when they first came this way.

Our all-inclusive 1st Explorer excursions also include but are not limited to:

  • All shore activities
  • All outside staterooms with full-size picture windows that open or private balconies
  • Full-size tub with shower
  • All port charges, taxes and gratuities - No tipping allowed!
  • Half-day and all-night sightseeing and shore activities at Boarding and Destination Landing cities
  • Special bonus coupons for admission to shore activities at Host Landing cities
  • Memorable open-seating dining and entertainment throughout
  • Casual dress and family atmosphere

So come join us! As you ply America's waterways aboard our exclusive mode of travel, you'll come to appreciate America in a way that only true 1st Explorers can. You'll be making history yourself, although with a few more comforts than Lewis and Clark enjoyed.

Call your travel agent or 1-888-GO BARGE, ext. 1 (1-888-462-2743, ext. 1) for your FREE brochure or click here and order your FREE brochure online.